Dash panels

Fitting an AIM MXL dash to my Exige and I’d like to get the top covers off the dash so I can run the loom along there. Now I’ve had the front covers off the Elise dash easy but I can;t budge the Exige ones. My car has aircon vents. Any tips on how to remove the front covers without damaging them so I can get at the screws for the top panel?